CHURCH LADY: Reverend pens fiction book about coming of age

KATHLEEN TUTTLE

5:11 PM, Jan 27, 2011

Kathleen Tuttle Special to the Eagle
Author and retired Pastor, the Rev. Carl Zahrte, and his wife Dee attend a book signing at Marco Lutheran Church. Dee encouraged him through the whole writing process.

Kathleen Tuttle Special to the Eagle
From left, Mary Lou and Dave Raftis wait for author, the Rev. Carl Zahrte, to autograph his book "Knowing the Father" last Sunday at Marco Lutheran Church. The book is a work of fiction is set in Jerusalem during the time of Christ.

Kathleen Tuttle Special to the Eagle
Suzi Pauly, left, purchases the Biblical novel "Knowing the Father" from author, the Rev. Carl Zahrte, on Sunday at Marco Lutheran Church. Zahrte is the former seasonal pastor at Marco Lutheran.

Octogenarian, pastor, photographer, tenor, tour group leader, grandfather, fisherman and fisher of men and now published author — meet Carl Zahrte.

Many know the Rev. Zahrte as the former seasonal pastor at Marco Lutheran Church, where he served for 12 years. He is Pastor emeritus of Bethany Lutheran Church in Parma, Ohio and has served in churches in Lincoln, Neb., and Southgate, Mich. He retired from full-time ministry in 1995.

"I've always loved writing," said Zahrte. "In the third grade I received a prize for a faith-based essay. When you win a prize for something, you want to do more."

A lifetime of writing, studying scripture and the human condition as well as trips to the Holy Land prepared him for the task of writing his first novel. He has 55 years of experience in writing sermons, devotional materials, Bible studies, monologues, and composing texts for hymns. Zahrte and his wife Dee also wrote a series of 15 talks that they presented as a Clergy Team Couple for Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekends in the 1980s. He also enjoys writing poetry, particularly for birthdays. He estimates that he has written more than 1,500 sermons along with lyrics for 40 hymns.

The book had its genesis 10 years ago as the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter 12. The chapter tells of the time when the apostle Peter was in chains, in prison and guarded by 16 guards and through a miracle God allows Peter to escape. "I wondered if one or any of them were followers of the Way," said Zahrte. "I think the Lord in a way was helping me write a story."

His wife, Dee, encouraged him to write. "It was his life long dream to write a book," she said.

He dove into the subject of writing and reading books on writing Christian books, character studies and dialogue.

The book began with a sheet of paper where he listed all his characters. An outline in longhand followed. The tedious process of putting the story into the computer followed.

"I'm not the best typist," he said.

Sometimes he would get up in the middle of the night with ideas.

The name of the book "Knowing the Father" came to him late in the writing process. His own father, who he adored, died very suddenly of a heart attack when he was 17 and many of his life experiences are woven into the book as fiction. The book is also dedicated to his father.

The book moved along in spurts. It was more of a hobby as he focused primarily on leading Bible studies, and his seasonal preaching and pastoral duties at Marco Lutheran as well as his responsibilities back in Ohio, his summer home, as part of the District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Board for Evangelism. There was also choir practice and fishing. He even spent two summers pastoring a church in Alaska during this time.

The setting for the book is Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. The protagonist is Miriam, whose name means bitterness. She grows up in Jerusalem without a father, which according to the author is very unusual. The book is a coming of age story and follows Miriam from a street robbery at 10 to the death of her mother at 12, to love and marriage and tragedy and finally hope.

The book incorporates and expands upon familiar Bible stories: the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the story of the crucifixion, Simon of Cyrene and Pentecost.

"I'm not trying to improve on the Bible. I'm just filling in the gaps with fictional characters," said Zahrte. "I wrote the book to help people who think life is not fair. They may believe in God but wonder why he doesn't seem to answer their prayers. God is an all loving father who watches over us even when we are very troubled because of our circumstances."

He spent two summers searching for a book publisher and decided to self publish with Dog Ear Publishing and is very satisfied with the results.

Zahrte is an associate member of Marco Lutheran Church and remains active within the Lutheran community. He currently serves as a supervisor of congregational representatives of the Lutheran Hour.

Quite a few have asked if he will write a sequel. "I'm thinking about it." His wife, Dee, agrees, but adds, "just not another long one."

Information on the book may be found at www.knowingthefather.com.

Kathleen Tuttle, a Marco Island resident since 1987, has written articles for various non-profits for more than 25 years. She is a community volunteer, former science teacher and microbiologist. Kathleen can be contacted at worship@rstuttle.com.

❱❱ calendar

Wesley United Methodist Church: Arts and Craft Festival, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., today features artists and crafters from across the country.

Women's Bible Study, a 10-week Beth Moore study of The Book of Esther began on Wednesday. The study will run every Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. until March 30. The cost is $20. The facilitator is Donna West. Please call the church to reserve a book and sign up.

Marco Presbyterian Church: Women's Bible Study every Friday at 9:30 a.m. Study guides for Beth Moore's "Daniel" are available for $17 at the Bible study or church office. Childcare is available upon request.

The church will hosts their 25th annual Missions Conference, "To Pray, to Go, To Send", Feb. 4 to 6. This year's conference features local mission agencies. Representatives from the Gideon's International, Oasis Counseling Center, Habitat for Humanity, the Good News Club, a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship, and El Shaddai of Grace Church, a Haitian Church in Naples will share information.

All events are held in the church's fellowship hall with the exception of the morning worship services. Please call the church office for reservations for the breakfasts and dinner. All events are open to the public. Love offerings will be received.

United Church of Marco Island: The church's concert series begins with Harps 'N Sync, an orchestra of 12 harpists from the Southwest Florida Harp Society, today at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature semi-classical and popular music. Tickets are $15 for adults and no charge for students and may be purchased in advance at the church or at the door.

New Life Community Church of God: The church will sponsor a Pizza and Movie, 9 p.m., today. Adults and children of all ages are invited to view "To Save a Life." Donations will be accepted to help support youth activities.

Women's Bible Study, entitled "Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still" features Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer in a women's Bible study recorded live at the Orlando Deeper Still conference. The seven-week study will be available evenings or mornings. The evening session meets Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The morning session meets Thursdays 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $20. Please contact the church for reservations.

"Current for Women" conference 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 11 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 12 with speaker Jill Ludlow of Full Sail Ministries. There will be a dessert reception on Friday. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday. Registration fee is $49 and $59 after Feb. 6. Register online at www.fullsail.org or 559- 627-8202.

First Baptist Family Church: Spanish worship service 10:30 a.m., Sunday, on the second floor.

Marco Lutheran Church: GriefShare, a Christ-centered support group for those who have lost a loved one to death, every Thursday; fellowship at 9:30 a.m.; sessions from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information call Joyce at 793-4601 or Dory at 389-2363.

Community Prayer Breakfast: The 28th annual Marco Island Community Prayer Breakfast will be held Tuesday at 7:30 a.m., the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, 400 South Collier Blvd. Keynote speaker is Dr. Phil Burgess. Mega Ministries will provide music. Advance tickets are $20 and include a full breakfast. Tickets are available at the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce and Marco churches. Tickets must be purchased by today. Call Don Kolowsky for more information, 642-3622 or visit marcoislandprayerbreakfast.com.

San Marco Catholic Church: The Council of Catholic Women's Annual This 'N That Rummage Sale, will take place on Feb. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at the church's Parish Center. Items for sale include books, holiday décor, children's toys, linens, jewelry, china, collectibles, sports equipment, small appliances and more. There will also be a bake sale, coffee and donuts. For donation information please call Susie at 389-9755 or Carol at 389-9463. Items may be dropped off at the church's Parish Center. No clothing, furniture or computer equipment will be accepted.